One is full of fears being 20-something. A millennial who is full of ideas and afraid to act because an older generation frowns upon them. “We couldn’t do better, why would you?” they say. Indeed why would we? But some millennials do have an answer to that question. Having a better access to education and information Generation-Y is fully equipped to analyze the promises and speeches of the ruling elite. Their choices of rulers are not and will not be based on mere political ranting one can see on television.
So fear not, my millennial friend, there is an example of someone like you to cheer you up.
Regina Gonchar is no politician yet, but she is indeed a political representative of our kind. She knows what is wrong, has no intention to rant and what is even more important – she knows what to do.
In Russia the ruling elite was brought up and nurtured by the Soviet system, who deprived them of what they hold dear the most today: their personal wealth and their children’s material wellbeing. Clinging to those shallow priorities the communist ideology had tried so ferociously to wipe out, they forgot about the wellbeing of those who were not so lucky and agile in the times of privatization. Who is going to interfere and put an end to this painful transition from a corrupt dictatorship to a democratic society? The millennials. And Regina.
Let’s start with who Regina Gonchar is. What have you achieved so far? What are you proud of?
Well, being a 23-year-old I have already obtained a master’s degree in economic safety and have a position of a Chief PR-manager. I do sports. And I guess the thing that makes me proud the most is my family.
How have you become so into politics? What has driven you to join the opposition?
Russian citizens are continuously facing officials’ indifference, deafness and incompetence. That is why I decided to engage in political field. My long-term aim is to give people their voices back and the authorities the ability and willingness to listen.
But what was the decisive factor or, perhaps, what took the last bit of your patience?
Yes, there is a notable example of a rather outrageous situation concerning municipal housing services (in Finland landlords and real estate management companies bear this responsibility). Prices for the basic residential maintenance services have been steadily increasing. Nevertheless, its quality has not improved. For instance, the municipal management company fails to paint internal walls once in 5 years, although the residents pay their maintenance bills. The same state of affairs is relevant for windows’ glass replacement services, fixing the garbage chute, light bulb replacement etc. I refuse to cope with such nonsense and I have fought for residents’ rights and will continue to do so on my own accord.
And what do you do when it comes to public service? Are you engaged in something more down-to-earth compared to oppositional deeds?
Truth be told I have always wanted to be useful for the society. I have arranged student events while studying, I am rigorously engaged in ecological movements. I also visit orphanages on a regular basis. For several years already I have been helping my district neighbors control the regularity of residential renovations. All of this has helped me gain priceless political and public service experience.
And now something for the western readers to chew on: what is wrong with this administration? How do you see the most pressing issues? What was the last bit of patience that has drawn you to action?
What is obvious to everybody is not obvious to this administration. Notably, the fact that a system which serves a particular individual does not work. I myself do not see any prosperity ahead, any positive dynamic whatsoever. What this nation needs is undoubtedly a legitimate democratic change of power.
There is no short and definite answer to the question “what is wrong with them?” One can speculate about it for an eternity. But it is rather obvious where the root of it lies. It is simple: the main condition of democratic regime, which is regulated by the constitution is not fulfilled. Plainly: the constitution is thus violated.
Then, we have absolute and unavoidable corruption on many levels. In my point of view that is the most pressing issue. For instance, the case of the Minister of Economic Development Alexey Ulyukaev, who got detained of a 2-million dollar bribe. It is unbelievable! When I come across news like this, I have no further questions on how a ”public servant” can afford a multiple hundred million ruble house.
It may sound naïve and obvious, but the administration is there in the first place to make itself useful to the people.
Have you ever had a confrontation with representatives of the ruling party (United Russia)?
Yes, I do have a rather stunning story to tell. This year I decided to stand as a candidate for the municipal elections for the first time. I haven’t necessarily sought victory, since my experience still doesn’t suffice for full-time public service in a country, which is torn apart by corruption. The application forms were supposed to be filled manually. I attached all the necessary documents. I was 100-percent sure I got it all right. But I still heard a lot of comments from the electoral commission members on my sloppy handwriting and inappropriate way of dealing with documents. During all that time I reminded myself not to raise my voice. If I had, there would have been a lawful reason to get me suspended from that election. In Russia it is important to stand one’s ground, be confident that you broke no law.
Later on, when the day has come for me to pick up my election candidate ID, the commission chairwoman expressed her dissatisfaction with me being a candidate. To put it simple, she merely insulted me as a candidate claiming that my conduct has been inappropriate and she wouldn’t place her vote for me to be a candidate. Thankfully the commission secretary interfered asking “How is this according to the law, since all of the paperwork had been already processed? Besides, one cannot just take their word back on such matter.” Then one of the members also refused to give me his vote. I even got a recording of the encounter with the commission, so I can quote him: “Since the chairwoman is against your candidature, I shall also refrain from giving you my vote. (Smiling) Though, you know, Regina, you will have greater opportunities ahead of you if you start fighting corruption. Even your degree is perfect– economic safety in public sector.” He sounded extremely sarcastic. After a pause he asked me if I would like to comment his statement in any way. I took a deep breath and said what needed to be said: “No, thank you.”
But even without their votes I entered the election as a candidate. But what was yet to follow was another nail in the coffin of my endeavor. Not long before the election I had gotten married and changed my family name. Of course all the documents and ID had been renewed way before the election. Besides, my voters had already been familiar with my new family name and this is how I was supposed to be registered. But regardless of all that, my electoral ID had my maiden name. It was an instant ultimate disappointment, indeed. But I will be there for sure the next time. Then I won’t take half measures.
Have you ever had desperate moments which made you want to quit?
There were times of despair, but it was never enough for me to quit what I am doing. I believe in it.
Do you have a personal motto or perhaps a slogan?
I am a Russian oppositioner. ’Nuff said.
And a bit about Khodorkovsky and political movement Open Russia. How have you ended up there?
Open Russia is an incredible team, who promotes the creation of a civilized government, whose top priority would be human rights, legitimate election and regularity of power change. Plainly, it is an online public movement, which was founded by Mikhail Khodorkovsky.
And what is your personal opinion about Alexey Navalny (oppositional presidency candidate, whose candidature is being sabotaged)?
He is a worthy politician with a splendid political intuition. If his lawyers perform a miracle of getting him through the candidate registration, I will vote for him.
You have witnessed the election process in Russia multiple times. What are the weaknesses of the system? How does the election malpractice happen? How can one avoid it?
Currently in Russia there are two types of electoral malpractice. The first lies in the campaign management of federal entities. It seeks to affect the election results. For instance the classic campaign strategy that the ruling party exercises is to reduce the overall turnout. Next, the people working in municipal or governmental institutions are “recommended” to participate and vote for a particular candidate or party. Here is a numeric concrete example: the ruling party had 1476 candidates out of which 1153 made their way to parliament. It is extremely difficult to fight this kind of forgery. But I tried to inform the voters about this strategy to the best of my abilities while I was a candidate to the municipality. I also encouraged them to participate in the election no matter what. But, unfortunately, the opposition and the ruling party’s campaign management did not have equal administrative resources.
The second type of malpractice takes place right at the polling stations. And there are numerous opportunities to influence the election outcome from persuading the voters to change their minds to incorrect vote count. Every election needs a considerable amount of qualified and competent election supervisors who are aware of their rights and who know how to protect those rights. Russia still lacks those people, although the situation has been gradually getting better.
Do you think the state of affairs will change in the nearest future? Does Russia need a revolution? Or is there a possibility for the nation to decide in a peaceful way?
Well, sooner or later it ought to change, there is no way around it. This year the Moscow municipal election showed that the society is deeply disappointed by the overall political stance of the government. In the regions, where people were made aware of the elections, the ruling party lost. I do hope we took the right direction. But there is one essential issue, which keeps preventing Russian democratic transformation. It is the generation, which is ruling the country. The USSR and the shameful 90s are still alive in the ruling elite. The real change will happen when they get replaced by the generation of Russian Federation.
Would you like to share your plans for the future with us?
Frankly, I am not much of a talker about plans. But I will let you know once they become achievements.